BOITUMELO PAULINE MARUMO

'The Odyssey of Reinvention: Embracing the Uncharted Path

In the tapestry of existence, every life is a symphony of experiences, each note contributing to the harmonious narrative of personal evolution. My journey began in 2013, a year punctuated by grand voyages and my grandfather's heartfelt benediction, "Tsela ke eo. Tsamaya le Modimo"–a wish that God guide my path. Little did I realize that these words would become a guiding light for navigating the uncharted waters of reinventing myself.

Life, as I reflect upon it, is a tapestry woven from diverse experiences. Who would have thought that my path would lead me from being a traveler to becoming a climate change advocate?

Each step I took paved the way for the next, providing me with the skills to adapt and excel. This realization fills me with excitement for what lies ahead.

The truth is that life constantly offers opportunities for us to recreate ourselves, as long as we put our heart and soul into it. I grew up as an orphan, and being the first in my family to travel abroad, work in different settings, and attend college felt like a journey of its own. These experiences taught me to believe in the power of change.

Raised by my grandparents, aunts, and uncles, I understood the strength that comes from having an extended family. Balancing motherhood and college was another challenge I faced, but I firmly believe that with determination, there are no barriers that can hinder our progress. In the grand gallery of life, we encounter people who unexpectedly become mentors and friends. Joining AIESEC, a youth organization, transformed me from a mere traveler to a catalyst for change. This journey taught me to embrace diversity, challenge norms, and advocate for global change.

Life's journey knows no boundaries. I traversed oceans to Asia, where I harnessed the potential of digital innovation in a global IT company. The fusion of these distinct experiences equipped me with tools to shape-shift and excel. This ongoing transformation has me eagerly looking forward to what the future holds.

Throughout this journey, the presence of my extended family has been my pillar of strength. Their unwavering support has turned my solo journey into a collective expedition, reaffirming the power of unity. A testimony that the "Botho" prevails in African settings "I am because we are". An affirmation to actively advocate for the preservation and restoration of our planet for the future generations.

So, as I continue on this journey, I am reminded that life is a process of reinvention. It's about molding new versions of ourselves from past experiences, reshaping our identity through choices and circumstances. Every step, every shift, every endeavor contributes to crafting a new me – a constant evolution that embraces the challenges and beauty of the unknown. We are infinite beings with infinite possibilities of who we can be.'

-- You can read more about Boitumelo and her journey here, where she was on the cover of the latest issue of The Responsible Citizen magazine, where she discussed climate change, sustainability and the adaptation projects implemented by her employer, the Botswana Climate Change Network. You can also follow her on Twitter ('X') here and on LinkedIn here.